Spring Break is almost here for many of our local schools! If you are sticking around for a staycation, here are lots of ideas for things to do!
FREE Things to Do
If you are looking for cheap or inexpensive things to do, head to a nearby library, nature center, or park! We have lots of ideas below if you are looking for something “new.”
Take a selfie tour with local murals! We are working on updating our list, if you find a new one, snap a picture and let us know!
Make sure also to check out our calendar!
Museums & Science Centers
Appleton
- The Building for Kids, Appleton
- History Museum at the Castle, Appleton
- Trout Museum of Art, Appleton
- Hearthstone Historic House Museum, Appleton
Menasha
- Weis Earth Science Museum, Menasha
- Barlow Planetarium, Menasha
Brillion
- Ariens Co. Museum, Brillion
Oshkosh
- Oshkosh Public Museum, Oshkosh
- EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh
- Paine Art Center & Gardens, Oshkosh
- Military Veterans Museum, Oshkosh
Green Bay
- The Automobile Gallery, Green Bay
- Green Bay Packer’s Hall of Fame, Green Bay
- National Railroad Museum, Green Bay
- Neville Public Museum, Green Bay
- Green Bay Children’s Museum, Green Bay
- Mulva Cultural Center, De Pere
Worth the Drive – Beyond the Fox Cities
- Farm Discovery Center, Manitowoc
- Food & Farm Exploration Museum, Plover
- Discovery World, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee
Worth the Drive Children’s Museums
- Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac
- Madison Children’s Museum, Madison
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee
- Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, Sheboygan
- Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, Stevens Point
Trampoline Parks, Indoor Play & Attractions
Appleton
- Luv 2 Play, Appleton – Enjoy three stories of climbing, crawling, sliding, and zipping! Cafe and grill available and fun games available to play!
- Badger Sports Park, Appleton – Laser tag, mini bowling, arcade games, and more!
- Funset Boulevard, Appleton – Enjoy Laser tag, playground, train, carousel, bumper cars, games, and more!
- Urban Air, Appleton – Indoor go-karts, zipline, and obstacle course are just a few things that make this spot unique!
- Altitude Trampoline Park, Appleton
- Extreme Air, Appleton
- Monkey Joe’s, Appleton
Oshkosh
- Mineshaft, Oshkosh – arcade and family-friendly restaurant
- Glow in the Park, Oshkosh – indoor mini-golf
Green Bay
- Odyssey Climbing & Fitness, Green Bay
- Get Air Trampoline Park, Green Bay
- Green Bay Action Sports Organization (GBASO), Green Bay – an indoor action sports complex for skateboarding, scootering, BMX, and in-line skating.
- Urban Battlefield, De Pere – mission-based tactical laser tag for ages 10+
- District 82, Green Bay – classic pinball arcade
Bowling
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to forget about how cold it is outside! Both Super Bowl in Appleton and Sabre Lanes in Menasha are now owned by Bowlero and offer special loyalty programs, events, and promotions, and lots of lanes for bowling.
The 10th Frame in Appleton is locally owned and operated and has good old-fashioned bowling, including keeping score by hand!
Electric City Lanes in Kaukauna has a cozy, intimate bowling experience with fluorescent lights and a fireplace. The full-service restaurant has a casual dining menu and a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
Rolling Thunder Lanes has open bowling and an arcade (and wings!)
Swimming
We have so many great indoor pool options in the Fox Cities, both at hotels and park and rec options. There are water slides, splash pads, lap swimming, diving, hot tubs and whirlpools, saunas, and more!
Need a winter escape? Head to the waterpark capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells for a fun weekend retreat!
Animals
- Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Green Bay – FREE! A walk through the woods with animals native to Wisconsin to visit along the way, including wolves, coyotes, deer, and ducks that love to be fed.
- NEW Zoo, Suamico – It is fun to explore here in spring weather when animals are active!
- Milwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee – Visit the winter-loving animals and stroll through warm indoor exhibits!
- Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison – FREE zoo
- Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe, Appleton – Enjoy a cup of coffee and cat snuggles!
Nature Centers
There are 12 Nature Centers for Families About an Hour From Appleton and you can plan a day trip with our ideas for nearby things to do and spots to get coffee and ice cream! Here are some of our favorites:
- Bubolz Nature Center, Appleton
- Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Menasha – Their natural treehouse play area, The World Beneath Your Feet, is a must-visit spot for area kids!
- 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Kaukauna
- Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London
- Navarino Nature Center, Shiocton
- Ledgeview Nature Center, Chilton
- Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Green Bay – We LOVE feeding the ducks!
Caves
- Manitowoc County Cherney Maribel Caves Park, Maribel
- Ledge View Nature Center, Chilton
- Worth the Drive: Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
Waterfalls
- 33 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Wisconsin to Explore! Bonus: Map & Tips! – Nearby ones include Fonferek Glen and Wequiock Falls in Green Bay
Trails
- 18 Fox Valley Nature Trails for Biking, Walking & Hiking
- 5 Oshkosh Area Nature Trails for Biking, Walking & Hiking
- 13 Green Bay Area Nature Trails for Biking, Walking & Hiking (and Waterfalls!)
- 11 Worth the Drive Hiking Trails about One Hour from Appleton
State Parks
We have 26 Awesome Wisconsin State Parks 2 Hours or Less From Appleton!
- High Cliff State Park is so close to home and filled with opportunities to explore. There are family-friendly trails, a new accessible playground with a rubber surface, and unbeatable views.
- Heritage Hill State Park offers education, exploration, and natural spaces in one trip!
- More State Parks Ideas: Ten Must-Do Wisconsin State Park Adventures for Your Family?
- FREE program for all State Parks! The Wisconsin State Parks and Department of Natural Resources work together to bring Wisconsin families the Wisconsin Explorers Program with customized books and activities for all age groups.
Parks
Head out to one of these Perfect for Spring Parks in and around Appleton.
There are some fantastic Oshkosh Parks with the Rubber Ground also!
BONUS! Spring park adventurer pro tip: Bathrooms are open at Fritsch and Fritse Parks in Fox Crossings/Menassha.
More Things to Do
- The Fire, Appleton
- Catch Fire Creations, Menasha
- Fire Escape, Oshkosh
- Nana’s Apocothary, Appleton – candle-making
- The Sweet Lair, Menasha
- The Breaking Point, Appleton
